On 16th September 2015, the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies hosted a one-day information session with Irish & International speakers on two key topics:

“The New Zealand Experience of Individualised Funding” and

“Inclusive Vocational & Education Training:  Sharing a European and an Irish experience of good practice”  

(L-R Prof. Wolfgang Plaute, University of Salzburg, Mr. Mark Smith, NUI Maynooth, and Ms. Sarenne Magennis, NUI Maynooth)

This event represented an exciting opportunity to hear from two international speakers on topics of interest to National Federation members, and for those working in the disability / social care sector to network to share information and hear from a range of experts on the themes of individualised funding and inclusive vocational and post-secondary education and training.

(L-R Ms Alison Harnett, National Federation; Ms Marsha Marshall, Manawanui; Mr. John Hannigan, Chairperson National Federation, Prof. Wolfgang Plaute, University of Salzburg

The presentations from the event are now available to download at the links below:  

- Ms. Marsha Marshall, CEO of Manawanui, New Zealand

- Dr. Wolfgang Plaute, Professor of Special Education and Inclusion,

  University of Education Salzburg and INVESTT European Project

- Ms. Saranne Magennis & Mr. Mark Smith, Inclusive Learning

Initiative, Maynooth University.

As part of the information-sharing which tool place on the day, Mr. Mick Teehan from National Federation member organisation Walk provided information about a recent report on the barriers that people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland face in accessing mainstream training. This report also provides legislative details with regard to equality that will be very relevant to those in the Further Education Sector. You can access this report at the link below:

Accessing Mainstream Training: Barirers for People with Intellectual Disabilities